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Forester Flagship Program

The Forester Flagship Program (FFP) is designed to cover 100 percent of tuition and fees as well as most food and housing costs.

Qualify for free tuition at Lake Forest College

As a first-year or sophomore, your out-of-pocket cost through FFP is $2,500. If you are transferring in as a junior, your out-of-pocket cost is $1,500.  

The Forester Flagship Program covers your college costs through grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid. Low-interest student loans help cover housing and meals costs not covered by your grants and scholarships. 

How do I qualify for free tuition at Lake Forest College?

  • Apply to Lake Forest College 
  • Submit your FAFSA when it opens in October (our Federal Code is 001706) 
  • Meet all requirements for both the Federal Pell Grant and Illinois MAP Grant 
  • Be a US citizen or permanent resident 
  • Be an Illinois resident; parents listed on the FAFSA must also reside in Illinois 
  • Commit to living on campus for all four years 
  • You will be notified via email if you are a recipient of the award. Your deposit to enroll counts as acceptance of your award. 

What is covered by the Forester Flagship Program?

The Forester Flagship Program covers 100 percent of tuition and fees at Lake Forest College.  

A low-interest federal loan covers almost all food and housing costs.  

If you transfer in as a junior, your out-of-pocket cost will be $1,500 per year, and if you start as a sophomore or first-year it's $2,500. On top of that, every student can earn $2,500 through on campus jobs, allowing you to focus on your education and future without stress. 

Is the Forester Flagship Program renewable each year?

The Forester Flagship Program is renewable for a total of four years (eight semesters of continuous enrollment) for new first-year students and for up to three years (six semesters of continuous enrollment) for new transfer students as long as you continue to meet the following renewal criteria. 

  • You must submit a FAFSA by December 1 prior to each academic year 
  • You and your parent(s) must continue to be Illinois residents 
  • You must maintain a satisfactory academic status 
  • You must remain eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and Illinois MAP Grant 
  • You must continue to live on campus all year 

How do I know if I qualify for the Federal Pell Grant? 

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s degree. "Exceptional financial need" is demonstrated by the student aid index ("SAI"), calculated by your FAFSA and our Office of Financial Aid. Our Office of Financial Aid will ultimately indicate your eligibility with a Financial Aid Award Letter, sent to you soon after your are admitted. 

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What does the Forester Flagship Program not cover?

  • Textbooks 
  • Annual parking pass 
  • Other academic supplies (laptops, technology, notebooks, etc.) 
  • Additional dorm decor